Group D of the Europa League sees Dinamo Zagreb, Anderlecht, Fenerbahce, and Spartak Trnava competing for two places in the round of 32.
It is a fairly evenly matched group and both Dinamo Zagreb and Fenerbahce will look to get their campaign off on the right foot. The two Eastern European clubs will meet on Thursday night in Zagreb at the Stadion Maksimir.
Dinamo started their European campaign in the Champions League second qualifying round. After successfully making it to the playoff round, the Croatian club was eliminated by Switzerland’s Young Boys. The loss dropped Dinamo into the Europa League group stage after having a strong Champions League qualifying campaign.
Fenerbahce, on the other hand, were forced to play Portugal’s Benfica in the Champions League third qualifying round. Benfica prevailed 2-1 on aggregate, pushing Fenerbahce into the Europa League.
Nenad Bjelica’s Dinamo have started the season well domestically. The team is undefeated having secured 17 from 21 points possible. Defence has been Dinamo’s backbone as the side has allowed just four goals in the Croatian league. Bjelica is in his first full season in charge of the side, and so far, Dinamo have adapted well to his leadership. Dinamo gave up just five goals during their Champions League qualifying campaign. However, they did concede three of those goals against Young Boys. Dinamo’s defence, though good in the domestic league, showed weaknesses against more difficult competition.
Fenerbahce have started the Turkish Super Lig in dreadful form. New manager Phillip Cocu is already feeling pressure at the club as Fenerbahce sit 13th in the table. The team suffered three consecutive defeats before winning their last match, 1-0, against Konyaspor. Fenerbahce is –1 in goals scored and putting the ball in the back of the net has been an issue. Just five goals have been scored in the Super Lig. Fenerbahce managed to score just once in their Champions League qualifying campaign against Benfica.
Thursday night’s match will be the first ever meeting between Dinamo and Fenerbahce. Dinamo have never made the knockout stages of the Europa League. Their record at home in the Europa League isn’t promising as they have suffered seven defeats at home in the while securing three wins and two draws.
Fenerbahce have qualified for the knockout round in their four previous campaigns. Playing away from home has suited the Turkish giants as they have secured eight wins in 12 previous away matches in the competition.
Form will play a major factor in Thursday night’s match. While Dinamo have it, Fenerbahce don’t. Yet, Dinamo’s home record in the competition will see the fixture end level. Both clubs will leave the Stadion Maksimir with a point apiece.